Planar L-Shaped Optical Elements for Uniform LED Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lensed LEDs produce hot spots and glare due to directed beams, while unlensed LEDs result in wasted light and discomfort from dispersed rays not focused on the target area.
Innovation Solution
The use of planar, L-shaped optical elements made of transparent materials like PVC, which redirect stray light from unlensed LEDs through refraction and internal reflection to concentrate light within a display case, avoiding hot spots and glare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lensed LEDs are used to concentrate light toward objects, then illumination intensity is improved, but hot spots and glare occur causing distorted appearance and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light distribution function into multiple segments: the LED emits light in multiple directions, optical elements redirect specific rays, and the result is segmented light paths that collectively illuminate the display case uniformly without concentrating intensity in one direction, thereby avoiding hot spots while maintaining illumination effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using specific optical elements at particular locations to redirect light rays in specific directions. Each optical element modifies the local light distribution according to the geometric relationship between the LED, the optical element, and the display case, creating uniform illumination locally without the harmful concentration effects of lensed LEDs
2Object-affected harmful factors
If unlensed LEDs are used to avoid hot spots, then harmful factors are reduced, but light is wasted and does not reach the target area effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical elements as intermediaries between the unlensed LED and the display case. These optical elements capture stray light rays that would otherwise be wasted and redirect them into the display case, serving as a mediator that converts potentially harmful direct radiation into useful indirect illumination without creating hot spots
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful stray light from unlensed LEDs into a beneficial resource. By using optical elements to redirect these previously wasted rays into the display case, the system transforms what was considered a disadvantage (dispersed light) into an advantage (increased illumination efficiency) while maintaining the benefit of avoiding hot spots
3Productivity
If lensed LEDs are used to direct light, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to lens integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses planar optical elements that replicate the light-redirection function of complex lensed LEDs but with simpler geometry. Instead of using dome-shaped lenses integrated with the LED, the invention uses flat optical elements with specific geometric relationships to achieve similar light direction effects, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the optical elements and their positioning relative to the LED to achieve effective light direction without requiring lens integration. By adjusting parameters such as the distance between the LED and optical element, the angle of the optical element, and the size of the display case, the system achieves efficient light direction using simpler components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively redirects stray light to illuminate the target area, reducing glare and waste, while maintaining even lighting without producing hot spots.
Implementation Method 1
redirect stray light from unlensed LEDs through refraction and internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
redirect stray light from unlensed LEDs through refraction and internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system uses optics to redirect stray light from unlensed LEDs toward a desired region while avoiding hot spots. The optics involve essentially planar surfaces with both reflective and light transmissive characteristics. The lighting system may be used in display cases.